Senate Democrats Champion Affordability Action Plan to Bring Down Costs and Expand Economic Opportunities to PA Families

Senate Democrats Champion Affordability Action Plan to Bring Down Costs and Expand Economic Opportunities to PA Families

April 21, 2026

HARRISBURG, PA − April 21, 2026 − Today, members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus were joined by Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis to hold a press conference in the Main Capitol Rotunda to kick off their Affordability Action Plan, which highlights legislation and budget items meant to support working families weathering President Trump's affordability crisis.

Over the course of the press conference, Senate Democrats drew attention to elements of Governor Shapiro's budget proposal, delivered on February 3, as well as a series of bills that would bring down costs and expand economic opportunities for Pennsylvanians. Members spoke on key areas impacting the wallets of families, including housing, wages, healthcare, food assistance, transit, and childcare.

"Our message today is clear: Senate Democrats are ready to enact commonsense, bipartisan legislation that will put money back in the pockets of Pennsylvania's families," said Senator Costa."By kicking off our Affordability Action Plan, Senate Democrats are leading the way on delivering meaningful solutions to the affordability crisis facing working families. I look forward to continuing this fight to bring down costs and raise wages, and I urge everyone to join us."

"Pennsylvania's economy is growing, and we're creating more jobs, but Governor Shapiro and I are doing it in spite of what's happening in Washington," said Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis. "And we see how working families, seniors and small businesses are struggling, under the weight of rising costs. That's why the Shapiro-Davis Administration is putting more money back in your pockets. Last year we delivered more than $450 million in tax relief for seniors and working families, and there's more on the way this year. We could not have gotten that done without the partnership and support of Senate Democrats. But there's so much more we need to do - to help those Pennsylvanians who need it most."

Senate Democrats highlighted the following legislation:

• Raising the minimum wage to $15/hour by 2029, HB 2189 & SB 19
• Expanding the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit
• Universal free school breakfast and lunch, SB 180
• Protecting and Expanding access to healthcare, SB 322
• Governor Shapiro's Housing Action Plan and Lightning Plan
• The Put Down Roots in PA Pilot Program, SB 753

The entire Senate Democratic Caucus's Affordability Action Plan, including today's press conference and additional legislative initiatives, is available at PASenate.com/Affordability.

Statement from Senator James Andrew Malone:

"It's time to reward hard work by making sure the people who do it can afford good lives. I'm proud to introduce new legislation to help reduce the cost of childcare by expanding the Employer Childcare Contribution Tax Credit alongside my colleagues' initiatives that also focus on cutting costs for families."

Statement from Senator Lindsey Williams:

"Universal School Meals not only helps students be prepared to learn - it also lowers grocery prices for everyone. When students eat breakfast and lunch at school - families save. And as families buy less at the store, prices drop for everyone. SB180 is a win for students and a win for anyone shopping for groceries. This is the kind of investments that the legislature should be making in this year's budget to make the lives of all Pennsylvanians more affordable."

Statement from Senator Nick Miller:

"We have heard clearly from Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth: the cost of daily life is too high. Families can no longer afford to wait. It is our responsibility to respond with solutions by implementing a comprehensive energy plan to lower utility costs, investing in housing to increase supply and lower costs, and making sure every family has a fair shot to live comfortably and build a future in their own community."

Statement from Senator Tina Tartaglione:

"Wages are central to affordability. With costs going up and the minimum wage still stuck at $7.25, too many full-time workers are struggling to get by. The House has passed a bill to get us to a $15 minimum wage, and now the Senate must act. Pennsylvania's workers can't afford to wait any longer."

Statement from Senator Art Haywood:

"Affordability is about dignity; food on the table, care within reach, and a stable home. In the face of devastating federal cuts, Senate Democrats stand with the Shapiro-Davis proposed budget to protect our neighbors and help communities thrive."

Downloadable footage of today's press conference and still photography is available upon request.

Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats' commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.

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